Editorial: Advancing infrastructure resilience and safety in modern transport systems

The increasing complexity of global transport networks underscores the essential role of resilient infrastructure and safety-centric design in shaping sustainable, efficient mobility. In an era marked by climate change and urbanisation, the quality and flexibility of transport infrastructure directly influence the safety and reliability of movement for goods and people. Recent research published across diverse subfields of transportation science has brought to light critical innovations in materials engineering, geotechnical behaviour and intelligent navigation systems. This editorial highlights recent contributions that together form a compelling narrative about the evolution of transport infrastructure analysis and operations, with safety at their core. The reliability and safety discussion is organised into two mains groups – infrastructure and collisions safety.Three studies explore critical aspects of infrastructure materials and foundations – domains fundamental to the structural integrity of transport systems. Hu et al. (2025a) investigate how environmental stressors degrade asphalt at the molecular level. By employing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with the entropy weight method, the study elucidates the chemical transformations that asphalt undergoes due to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Such understanding is pivotal for enhancing the durability of road surfaces, particularly under the increasing UV intensities associated with climate change.Complementing this work, a material innovation is proposed by Hu et al. (2025b). Rubber powder, a sustainable additive derived from recycled tyres, is shown to improve asphalt's resistance to UV ageing and its adhesive properties. These modifications not only extend pavement life but also contribute to circular economy goals – balancing performance, safety and environmental responsibility. Together, these two studies present a materials science based roadmap for mitigating weather-induced degradation – a major contributor to road surface failures and accident risks.Equally critical to infrastructure safety is the behaviour of foundations under varied geological conditions. Wang et al. (2025) investigate the variability of load-bearing performance across layered subsoil strata. Using empirical testing and simulation, the study identifies how soil heterogeneity influences pile behaviour, providing actionable insights for geotechnical engineers. This is especially relevant for infrastructure development in seismic or flood-prone zones, where soil unpredictability directly affects safety and structural longevity.While infrastructure forms the physical backbone of transport systems, the safety of their operation increasingly depends on intelligent technologies and data-driven decision making. Two studies pivot to this operational domain, focusing on collision avoidance and crash severity.Zhang and Sun (2025) explore how artificial intelligence can enhance maritime safety. They develop a deep reinforcement learning framework for autonomous vessels navigating complex inland waterways. By training agents to perform safe avoidance manoeuvres in multi-agent scenarios, the study advances the frontier of automated collision prevention. As inland water transport gains renewed attention due to its energy efficiency, such innovations are crucial for future-ready, safe navigation systems.Kumar et al. (2025) tackle one of the most pressing concerns in road transport – accident severity. Their study combines conventional statistical models with machine learning techniques to uncover nuanced predictors of crash outcomes. Their findings provide policymakers with granular insights into design-targeted safety interventions. Given India's high rate of road traffic fatalities, this research exemplifies the importance of localised, data-driven solutions for crash prevention and severity mitigation.Taken together, these works reflect the multi-scalar and interdisciplinary nature of transport research today. Whether through micro-scale improvements in asphalt chemistry or macro-level strategies for navigation driven by artificial intelligence, each study underscores a critical facet of safety – durability, adaptability or intelligence. As transport systems evolve under the twin pressures of environmental change and technological advancement, such research becomes indispensable for fostering infrastructures that are not only efficient but fundamentally safe for all users.